The FCC isn’t kidding around in going after Wi-Fi blockers: Now it has slapped big electrical contracting company M.C. Dean with a $718,000 fine for blocking consumers’ Wi-Fi connections and has proposed a $25,000 fine for Hilton Worldwide for “apparent obstruction of an investigation” into whether Hilton blocked consumers’ Wi-Fi devices.

The whole issue has concerned wireless LAN product vendors and some WLAN managers, who say they aren’t quite sure what they are or aren’t allowed to do nowadays in terms of wireless LAN security and management (See “WiFi blocking debate far from over”).

“Consumers are tired of being taken advantage of by hotels and convention centers that block their personal Wi-Fi connections,” said Travis LeBlanc, Chief of the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau, in a statement. “This disturbing practice must come to an end. It